Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, a former governor of Kaduna State, has won the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket for the Kaduna North District. The primary election took place on Monday, May 18, 2026, in Zaria. Yero secured 6,060 votes, defeating his opponents Muhammad Mu'azu Mukaddas, who garnered 1,044 votes, and Yusuf Bala Ikara, who obtained 372 votes.
Yero Calls for Party Unity After Victory
Following his victory, Yero extended an olive branch to his fellow contestants, urging them to collaborate for the party's success in the 2027 general elections. He commended the peaceful conduct of the primary election and thanked party supporters and stakeholders for their confidence in him. The former governor pledged to reciprocate the gesture by representing the people positively.
Background of the Former Governor
Yero assumed office as Kaduna State governor after the tragic helicopter crash that killed Governor Patrick Yakowa in Bayelsa State on December 15, 2012. He served from December 15, 2012, to May 29, 2015, and subsequently lost the 2015 gubernatorial election to Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.
Other APC Primary Election Results
In related developments, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello won the APC primary election for Kogi Central Senatorial District with 72,349 votes, while his closest rival, Ibrahim Yakubu Adoke, received only 315 votes. Additionally, Adamu Abubakar won the APC House of Representatives primary election for Chanchaga with 30,650 votes. Alhaji Abdullahi Mahmud secured victory in Lapai with 8,559 votes, and Professor Yakubu Auna emerged victorious in Magama/Rijau.
The primary elections were conducted peacefully, with returning officers certifying the results in accordance with electoral laws. Yero's win marks a significant step in his political comeback as he prepares for the 2027 Senate race.
